
All Sessions
Conference for College and University Foundations 2025
Conference for College and University Foundations 2025
Filter By:
Session Type
Topic
Sector
Experience Level
Disciplines
Competencies
6 Results Found
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM CT
What We’ve Learned From Fully Autonomous AI Fundraising & Where We’re Going Next
A few months ago, the world’s first fully autonomous fundraiser interacted with its first assigned donor. During this time, two dozen+ nonprofits joined together as cohorts to engage donors with an AI-powered Virtual Engagement Officer but more importantly research, develop, and accelerate the deployment of autonomous fundraising for our entire industry.
All nonprofits can relate to the fact that they have more donors and alumni than they have fundraisers with capacity to build relationships. This is precisely where autonomous fundraising changes what’s possible.
In this session, cohort members will present the results they’ve seen from autonomous fundraising – donors engaged, dollars raised, and pipeline built, in addition to their experience being the first organizations in the world to deploy a Virtual Engagement Officer to a portfolio of their donors.
We’ll present what we learned, what we got right, where course corrections were needed, and how we navigated AI in a field defined by relationships. We’ll share all of our findings including portfolios for autonomous fundraisers, sourcing engagement content independently, accuracy, transparency, ethics, and more.
Finally, we’ll conclude by looking at where we are going, how we can continue to further personalize donor journeys, push the outer limits of technology, and more. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
All nonprofits can relate to the fact that they have more donors and alumni than they have fundraisers with capacity to build relationships. This is precisely where autonomous fundraising changes what’s possible.
In this session, cohort members will present the results they’ve seen from autonomous fundraising – donors engaged, dollars raised, and pipeline built, in addition to their experience being the first organizations in the world to deploy a Virtual Engagement Officer to a portfolio of their donors.
We’ll present what we learned, what we got right, where course corrections were needed, and how we navigated AI in a field defined by relationships. We’ll share all of our findings including portfolios for autonomous fundraisers, sourcing engagement content independently, accuracy, transparency, ethics, and more.
Finally, we’ll conclude by looking at where we are going, how we can continue to further personalize donor journeys, push the outer limits of technology, and more. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Speakers: Brooks Hull, Vice President, University Advancement and Executive Director, Development Foundation, Texas State University, Adam Martel, CEO, Givzey
Competencies: Relationship BuildingLeadership
Experience Level: Level 5Level 6- Leadership/ Transforming Seasoned Professional
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM CT
A Unique Model for a Small Shop - Working Towards Self-Sufficiency
In turbulent times many smaller institutionally-related foundations (IRF’s) are seeking alternative economic models to be fully self-sustaining. The Kean University Foundation’s economic model is unique and, we believe, cutting edge. As we enter our sixth year in our restructuring plan, and embark on our first comprehensive capital campaign in more than 15 years, the Foundation employs all staff and absorbs the costs associated with staff benefits, human resources, information technology, legal, etc. This presentation summarizes the funding and spending plan for the Kean University Foundation as well as the organization’s competitive cost per dollar raised.
*CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Speakers: William Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Kean University Foundation, Molly McGarry, Senior Director of Annual Giving, Kean University Foundation
Competencies: LeadershipStrategic Thinking
Experience Level: All LevelsAll Levels
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM CT
Unlocking Fundraising Potential with Strategic Planning
In the competitive realm of higher education, fundraising success relies on more than just passion and a great case; it requires a strategic approach. Participants will learn how strategic planning principles can inspire cohesion within fundraising teams while also enhancing their overall fundraising success.
In this session participants will learn:
• The key components of strategic planning.
• Strategies for fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation within your fundraising team through the strategic planning process.
• How to build bridges between fundraisers and their partners (such as Deans, University leaders, and engagement or communications branches), enhancing collaboration to drive fundraising success.
• Ideas for setting clear expectations that align with your organization’s vision.
• Best practices for building the tools and resources needed to support your fundraising goals. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
In this session participants will learn:
• The key components of strategic planning.
• Strategies for fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation within your fundraising team through the strategic planning process.
• How to build bridges between fundraisers and their partners (such as Deans, University leaders, and engagement or communications branches), enhancing collaboration to drive fundraising success.
• Ideas for setting clear expectations that align with your organization’s vision.
• Best practices for building the tools and resources needed to support your fundraising goals. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Speakers: Tracey Storey, Associate Vice President of Nonprofit Enterprise Strategic Planning, BWF, Daniel Martin, President, KU Endowment
Competencies: LeadershipStrategic Thinking
Experience Level: All LevelsLevel 6- Leadership/ Transforming Seasoned Professional
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM CT
Crafting Great Gift Agreements: The Key to Donor Stewardship and Sustainable Giving
Gift agreements are the foundation for fostering strong, long-lasting relationships with donors. A well-crafted gift agreement not only ensures clarity and alignment between the organization and the donor but also plays a crucial role in effective donor stewardship. In this session, Christina Chase, C.P.A., J.D., the CFO and COO of the UC San Diego Foundation, will share valuable insights and practical advice on creating and negotiating gift agreements that strengthen donor relationships and encourage future giving.
Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser or a nonprofit administrator, this session will provide you with the technical knowledge and practical tools needed to create gift agreements that foster trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability for your organization. Join to learn how to leverage the power of effective gift agreements in building stronger donor relationships and securing future gifts for your organization. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser or a nonprofit administrator, this session will provide you with the technical knowledge and practical tools needed to create gift agreements that foster trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability for your organization. Join to learn how to leverage the power of effective gift agreements in building stronger donor relationships and securing future gifts for your organization. *CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Speakers: Christina Chase, AVC for AS, Interim AVC for Alumni Relations, & CFO/COO, UCSD FDN, University of California San Diego
Experience Level: Level 4Level 3- Practicing Mid Level Career
Topics: Donor Relations & Stewardship
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM CT
What is the Goal? What will change in fundraising...and what will stay the same.
"Change" is a common topic in our business. We make predictions, we adjust to our university's changes in leadership, in strategic plans, and priorities. We can fall victim to diverting our focus as foundation leaders to all the activities that are "fundraising adjacent" and commit our energy, our resources and our teams to activities that drift from some of the basic tenants in our business that are timeless. The fact that meaningful, values aligned, authentic fundraising has been and will remain a critical component to the impact of higher education is a fact we need to strategically consider daily. This session will feature a discussion and Q&A about what will change in our space, what will not and how we navigate our foundations to best serve the perpetual mission.
Speakers: John Morris, Currently serving as the Senior Vice President for Development at Texas A&M Foundation. Upcoming Chief Executive Officer and President at University of Minnesota Foundation, as of May 1., Eric Holderness, VP of Development, Kansas State University Foundation, Noah Shepard, Vice President of Development, University of South Dakota Foundation, Chastity Carrigan, Vice President for Development, Texas A&M Foundation, Tyson Voelkel, CEO & President, Texas A&M Foundation
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseStrategic Thinking
Experience Level: Level 5Level 6- Leadership/ Transforming Seasoned Professional
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
The Role of Advancement in an Effective Presidential Transition Plan
Presidential transitions are a pivotal time for higher education institutions, but they don’t always happen when or how you’d expect. In the recent past, Oregon State University has experienced both planned and unplanned transitions. The OSU Foundation has learned that the way advancement offices manage relationships with donors, friends and alumni during these times is essential to the future of the university. Using concrete, real-life examples, this session will walk attendees through how Foundation and alumni teams can shape presidential transitions and foster strong presidential relationships with key audiences by creating a strong plan with measurable goals, tactics, milestones and impact reporting.
*CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.
Speakers: Kristin Watkins, Vice President, Donor Engagement & Chief Marketing Officer, Oregon State University Foundation
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingLeadership
Experience Level: Level 2Level 1- Early Career